The results of a recent research study show that the
ACE Mentor Program succeeds in encouraging high school students from diverse backgrounds to graduate, attend college, and pursue careers in architecture, construction and engineering.
The ACE Mentor Program was founded by the principals of leading design and construction firms as a way to introduce high school students to career opportunities in the industry. ACE participants graduate high school at a much higher rate than their non-ACE counterparts: 97 percent versus the 73.4 percent national graduation rate for 2009. They also go on to college at a higher rate than their non-ACE counterparts: 94 percent versus the 68 percent national college enrollment rate for 2009.
Creating a Diverse Talent Pool
The impact of the ACE Mentor Program does not end when a student enrolls in college, according to the survey results; it also leads to new, more diverse recruits for the building industry. In 2009, two-thirds of alumni were studying architecture, engineering, construction and the skilled trades, or were already working in one of these fields. And, 86 percent of alumni pursued a career in the building industry or began to consider one after participating in the ACE program.
Additionally, more than 90 percent of ACE Mentor Program graduates indicate the experience gives them an edge over their non-ACE counterparts.
Several findings highlight the success of ACE mentorship in reaching minority and female students.
- Female ACE participants enter college engineering programs at nearly double the national rate of their non-ACE counterparts (29 percent versus 15 percent).
- Of freshmen majoring in architecture, the minority mix (African-American, Hispanic and Asian) of the ACE students was two to four times greater than the national average (which was 70 percent Caucasian).
- Nearly four times more Hispanic ACE alumni enter civil, mechanical and electrical engineering programs than their non-ACE counterparts. Nearly three times more African-American ACE alumni enter those fields than their non-ACE counterparts.
- More minorities and low-income students are enrolled in the ACE Mentor program than any other after-school programs.
Committed Mentors
Today, ACE is the fastest growing high school mentoring program focusing on careers in the design and building industries. ACE has 85 affiliates spanning more than 250 cities and communities in 40 states, plus affiliates in the Caribbean and Canada. Altogether, more than 5,100 mentors and nearly 11,000 students participate in the ACE mentorship program.
Affiliates comprise one or more mentoring teams made up of owner firms, architectural/design firms, engineering firms, construction managers, general contractors, subcontractors and skilled craft professionals. Mentors supervise after-school activities for local high school students—including speakers, field trips and college nights—as well as develop a team project that introduces students to the practices and tools of the building industry.
By serving as professional role models, friends and career advisors, mentors make a significant contribution to their communities while helping develop tomorrow’s building industry leaders.
In turn, ACE Mentor Program alumni help the next generation: More ACE alumni express a willingness to volunteer as ACE mentors (88 percent) compared with their non-ACE counterparts (72 percent), according to the survey.
Involvement with ACE also benefits mentors’ companies by enhancing their leadership and service image, providing professional networking opportunities and connecting firms with talented, motivated future employees.